HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, August 21, 1864.
Major-General SHERMAN:
Did you receive Colonel Klein’s report* forwarded this morning? He broke the road near Fayette and destroyed a train of cars with locomotive, but being attacked by cavalry, supported by infantry, and cut off, as he says, from Kilpatrick, returned to Sandtown with but very little loss. If he broke the road between Atlanta and Kilpatrick, and then succeeded in effecting his escape, there can be but little doubt of Kilpatrick’s success, if he worked away from Atlanta, as there is but little probability of his meeting concentrating all cavalry coming to the front at Dalton have been given.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, near Atlanta, August 21, 1864-12 m.
General THOMAS:
I received Colonel Klein’s report. I feel certain that General Kilpatrick is doing good work; still it is time for us to hear from his direct.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
STANLEY’S HEADQUARTERS, August 21, 1864-2.45 p .m.
General WHIPPLE:
Five deserters from Maney’s and Vaughan’s brigades, Cheatham’s division, just in. Yesterday at noon these two brigades moved to the right of the railroad, re-enforcing Strahl, on rebel right. They heard the railroad was cut night before last. A colonel said the cutting the road would not interfere with supplies for the army.
D. S. STANLEY,
Major-General.

HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 21, 1864.
Brigadier General Brigadier General Kenner Garrard,
Commanding second Division Cavalry;
After crossing at Sandtown you will extend from General Stanley’s left to the Chattahoochee, and on the south side of Utoy Creek. General Stanley it is expected will be in position to-day.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. L. ELLIOTT,
Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.
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*See Part II, p. 868.